Two weeks ago I had the honor of participating in AIDS Walk New York for the second year in a row. This time we were down a few team members and the weather was nothing like the gorgeous climate of the year before. As soon as we stepped out of the apartment, it started pouring. And by the time we walked to the subway, we were already soaked. My initial instict was to turn around, go back to my apartment and curl up in my pajamas. But I already made the commitment and there was no way I was backing out.
Even though the organizers did a great job of providing encouragement along the way, the rain just made the walk feel even longer and harder than before. We were on the verge of losing our enthusiasm, but we then spotted an older lady walking slowly and steadily with the crowd. She was all alone and we initially thought she was a pedestrian that somehow got mixed into the AIDS Walk shuffle. But 15 minutes later, she was still among the crowd. We talked to her and learned that she was not only participating, but that this was her 20th year doing so! Watching her silent jouney gave us the last boost of energy we needed to make it across the finish line.
In the end it was all worth it! Our team raised over $2,800, beating last year’s figure by $1,000! And despite our smaller team and rainy weather, the walk was still as inspiring and humbling as ever – marching along with the over 45,000 walkers and helping to raise the $6,214,768 that day! A HUGE thanks to all my family, friends and blog friends that so generously sponsored my walk this year! Your support means the world to me and to the millions that are in some way, shape or form affected by this horrible disease.
Please join us “Today” – wherever you are in the world – and link up with Communal Global!
{ 28 comments }
What a great story Maddy, I love hearing about the quiet determination and dedication of our elders. They’re truly inspiring. Great job on fundraising, that’s a huge amount! All for a good cause :):)
Anaiz recently posted..New Releases this week
Great job!! Such a wonderful cause that needs support.
casey recently posted..Makin It Butterflies
Well done, Maddy! Being charitable in adverse conditions is even braver and takes more courage. So glad you took the camera along to capture the great atmosphere.
Sabine recently posted..Lost in Next Land
Oh, I love your black and whites … and your story of the older lady who was walking silently along. Love it. Sigh.
Wow, that’s so awesome to be part of something so meaningful. You are awesome for your commitment, Maddy. :)
Buckeroomama recently posted..Lucky Clovers
WOW…great job! And, I love the photos…especially in B&W.
Dina @ 4 Lettre Words recently posted..Floral Frenzy
What an inspiring post Maddy. Your photos are beautiful as always. Good for you for powering through it and being a part of something bigger than any one of us!
Sarah – Dodeline Design recently posted..The Power of Social Media- A Real Life Case Study
what an inspiration. you’ll look back on the day and be proud!
very married recently posted..Happy Memorial Day
Awesome, Maddy! Simply awesome :)
Dana recently posted..its been a good year for the cherries
Cheers to you and the lady!
Alexandra keller recently posted..happy Memorial Day
Love, love, love the FREE HUGS signs. Have you seen the youtube video on Free Hugs? So awesome! Great job~
that old lady…def gave us the boost and then took a boost from us by eating one of our blondies. lol.
JWS3 recently posted..TriJWS3- i love when ppl wanna sit down and have a talk with you cuz they always regret it after i say what i have to say
Well done! So proud of you and your team for braving the awful weather to walk for a good cause. And kudos to the old lady – I’m very impressed she’s been doing this for 20 years!
Haute World recently posted..Electrum Gallery- Past- Present and Future – Jewelry Showcase London- UK
Beautiful pics, you´ve captured the mood very well – and I´m always a sucker for black and white! :-)
How wonderful to raise so much money for such an important cause! What a inspiring woman to meet. 20 years of participating… wow! Love the black and white photos!
Jennifer recently posted..for the love of iris
What an inspring accomplishment, and for such a good cause. Glad you stuck it out in the rain, i would’ve done the same :)
Nadette recently posted..¡Estoy Aqui!
what a fantastic thing you did! I love it that you went over to her and learned about her story….beautiful and inspirational post my friend!
I saw this on my phone at court this morning and I couldn’t wait to get to a computer to type a comment.
Thank you for walking and giving and caring. You have a beautiful spirit. Thank you for looking for stories.
Life with Kaishon recently posted..Thank you
What a beautiful post-the story and the photos! The story of the older lady was so sweet…love it.
Anika recently posted..Phonography 41 – Spaced Out
You GO girl!!!
Keetha recently posted..All My Children
this made my day! love the story, the photos, and the FREE HUGS!!! we thought our roof was coming down over the weekend. scary thunderstorms, indeed. have a great rest of the week!
xo
What an amazing event! Love that little old lady who turned out to be an unlikely cheerleader for your team :-) So sweet!
Good for you, darling!
Love these pics!
xoxox,
CC
Awesome pictures…the B&W really set the stage for the weather and the umbrellas…fabulous. How inspirational that woman is….you will never forget her and what she meant to you at the moment you wanted to give up….a lesson to all of us that everyday there is a reason to keep moving forward and give, even if its just a smile or word of encouragement.
What a wonderful gift of yourself you gave that day!
Congratulations on a job VERY well done!
xoxoxoxo
Dita
DITA recently posted..Timeless Beauty
What a great cause! My dad works for an organization that helps people with HIV/AIDS – such a wonderful thing you did walking in the rain!
Beautiful photos…..congratulations on your effort!!!
charmaine recently posted..today
What a meaningful and inspirational event! I hope you will keep it up for as long as you can…
Serline recently posted..Service Sunday
Well done to all who took part, nice to see the rain didn’t dampen the spirits!
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